The Mahones "Angels & Devils"
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Running Time: 46:24, 12 tracks + 1 bonus track
After 20 years, five studio albums, two compilations and one live album, The Mahones have finally got the recognition they deserved. A brilliant album that got rave reviews last year (“The Black Irish”), a tribute album and tours with Dropkick Murphys, Street Dogs or alone have helped to broaden their fan base. Apparently, Finny noticed that they were on a “now or never” situation to break through. Then, I was a little bit concerned when they posted last April at their Facebook site that a new album would be released in 2012. Why? Nowadays the bands release a new album every two years. Moreover, too much tours normally involve no songwriting. Would the album meet the fans expectations?
Later, the tracklisting and the album cover were posted on Facebook. “The Black Irish” artwork was really appealing, but, IMHO, “Angels & Devils” cover is not quite impressive. But, as you know, don’t judge a CD by its cover. It could be a good sign. Regarding the tracklist and the guest list, I feel that Finny thought that he have found the right approach: put together the best elements of “Take No Prisoners” together with those of “The Black Irish”. Theoretically, it should work. But sometimes the final result is quite the contrary. In other words, it may seem simple and effective, but it could be very risky too.
I must admit that I made a big mistake. I always try not to read what other people have written about the albums that I have to review. But I read the enthusiastic review that was posted at Paddyrock. I was a little bit concerned about the new album and then I read that it was awesome. Normally my worries should have gone. However, my mind went on another direction. Expectations were too high now. This might not be fair for the band. Therefore I have listened to the album carefully and tried to keep away any “previous ideas” that I could have. These are my comments .
First of all, everybody is talking about the special guest list: Ken Casey, Jake Burns, Greg Keelor, Felicity Hamer and The Brains members. As a marketing tool, this is OK. However, I find that the main strength of the album is the tin whistle playing by Dave Gossage (Orealis, Hadrian’s Wall …) and fiddling by Jonathan Moorman (Bodh’aktan). Jonathan played the fiddle and mandolin on 6 tracks on “Take No Prisoners” and two different flutists played the tin whistle on that album (Micheal O’Grady and Andrew Brown). Then, I can say that the best element of the “Take No Prisoners” album is also present on “Angels & Devils”: the great sound based on the whistler and fiddler’s musicianship.
Jake Burns' performance on “Angels & Devils” is excellent too, but I feel that Ken Casey should have guested on “Past the Pint of No Return” instead of “Spanish Lady”
Now, the self-penned songs. Which will be the songs that could be included in the “Definitive Mahones collection”? Obviously, the opening track “Shakespeare Road”. Mahones at their best: manic whistle, fiddle, shouting, and drumming. Maybe a little bit long for a fast-paced song (more than 5 minutes!!!!). I guess that René de la Muerte (producer) could have thought it too, but then he remembered those famous words: “Okay, okay, don’t push us when we’re hot”. The other two tracks with the classic Mahones stamp on them would be “The King of Copenhaguen”, another catchy song featuring great whistling by Dave Gossage, and “Past the Pint of No Return”, on which Jonathan Moorman shines once again. I was not very fond of “Angel & Devils”, but the track has grown on me and, as I have said before, Jake Burns guitar work is really amazing. Finally, “The Revolution Starts Now” has a sound close to that of “The Hellfire Club Sessions” era.
The traditional material. The “Spanish Lady” gets the Mahones treatment with a little help by Ken Casey. It’s a good rendition, and a good “trick” to get new fans. But I feel that Finny and his band mates should stop recording the songs that every single band (Including The Pogues or Shane with The Popes) has covered: “Star of the County Down”, “The Irish Rover”, “Nancy Whiskey”, “The Wild Rover”…. That’s why I have particularly enjoyed their set of tunes. The debut album included a set of polkas, “Mahones Medley”, but no more traditional sets of tunes can be found on the other albums. Fortunately, The Mahones have recorded two kick-ass sets of traditional tunes. They are as good as Neck “Psycho Ceilidh Mayhem Set”. Given that I’m a little bit bored with the overexposure of the usual standards, I expect that a lot of new bands start to include some sets of jigs and reels on their albums. The Mahones are a mirror for a lot of bands and I feel that they should be aware of their influence. Hence my wish: less Irish standards and drinking songs and more sets of tunes!
The Mahones have begun to reap what they have sown for the last 22 years. They are masters of the social networks and marketing tools and they have become friends with a lot of excellent musicians. So a lot of attention has been paid to the special guests on their seventh studio album. This should not hide the best assets of the album: the “classic” Mahones anthems, their shift from the traditional standards to the traditional sets of tunes and the great sound led by the tin whistle and the fiddle. Maybe Finny should think over adding a whistler and a fiddler on a permanent basis.
P.S.
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Running Time: 46:24, 12 tracks + 1 bonus track
After 20 years, five studio albums, two compilations and one live album, The Mahones have finally got the recognition they deserved. A brilliant album that got rave reviews last year (“The Black Irish”), a tribute album and tours with Dropkick Murphys, Street Dogs or alone have helped to broaden their fan base. Apparently, Finny noticed that they were on a “now or never” situation to break through. Then, I was a little bit concerned when they posted last April at their Facebook site that a new album would be released in 2012. Why? Nowadays the bands release a new album every two years. Moreover, too much tours normally involve no songwriting. Would the album meet the fans expectations?
Later, the tracklisting and the album cover were posted on Facebook. “The Black Irish” artwork was really appealing, but, IMHO, “Angels & Devils” cover is not quite impressive. But, as you know, don’t judge a CD by its cover. It could be a good sign. Regarding the tracklist and the guest list, I feel that Finny thought that he have found the right approach: put together the best elements of “Take No Prisoners” together with those of “The Black Irish”. Theoretically, it should work. But sometimes the final result is quite the contrary. In other words, it may seem simple and effective, but it could be very risky too.
I must admit that I made a big mistake. I always try not to read what other people have written about the albums that I have to review. But I read the enthusiastic review that was posted at Paddyrock. I was a little bit concerned about the new album and then I read that it was awesome. Normally my worries should have gone. However, my mind went on another direction. Expectations were too high now. This might not be fair for the band. Therefore I have listened to the album carefully and tried to keep away any “previous ideas” that I could have. These are my comments .
First of all, everybody is talking about the special guest list: Ken Casey, Jake Burns, Greg Keelor, Felicity Hamer and The Brains members. As a marketing tool, this is OK. However, I find that the main strength of the album is the tin whistle playing by Dave Gossage (Orealis, Hadrian’s Wall …) and fiddling by Jonathan Moorman (Bodh’aktan). Jonathan played the fiddle and mandolin on 6 tracks on “Take No Prisoners” and two different flutists played the tin whistle on that album (Micheal O’Grady and Andrew Brown). Then, I can say that the best element of the “Take No Prisoners” album is also present on “Angels & Devils”: the great sound based on the whistler and fiddler’s musicianship.
Jake Burns' performance on “Angels & Devils” is excellent too, but I feel that Ken Casey should have guested on “Past the Pint of No Return” instead of “Spanish Lady”
Now, the self-penned songs. Which will be the songs that could be included in the “Definitive Mahones collection”? Obviously, the opening track “Shakespeare Road”. Mahones at their best: manic whistle, fiddle, shouting, and drumming. Maybe a little bit long for a fast-paced song (more than 5 minutes!!!!). I guess that René de la Muerte (producer) could have thought it too, but then he remembered those famous words: “Okay, okay, don’t push us when we’re hot”. The other two tracks with the classic Mahones stamp on them would be “The King of Copenhaguen”, another catchy song featuring great whistling by Dave Gossage, and “Past the Pint of No Return”, on which Jonathan Moorman shines once again. I was not very fond of “Angel & Devils”, but the track has grown on me and, as I have said before, Jake Burns guitar work is really amazing. Finally, “The Revolution Starts Now” has a sound close to that of “The Hellfire Club Sessions” era.
The traditional material. The “Spanish Lady” gets the Mahones treatment with a little help by Ken Casey. It’s a good rendition, and a good “trick” to get new fans. But I feel that Finny and his band mates should stop recording the songs that every single band (Including The Pogues or Shane with The Popes) has covered: “Star of the County Down”, “The Irish Rover”, “Nancy Whiskey”, “The Wild Rover”…. That’s why I have particularly enjoyed their set of tunes. The debut album included a set of polkas, “Mahones Medley”, but no more traditional sets of tunes can be found on the other albums. Fortunately, The Mahones have recorded two kick-ass sets of traditional tunes. They are as good as Neck “Psycho Ceilidh Mayhem Set”. Given that I’m a little bit bored with the overexposure of the usual standards, I expect that a lot of new bands start to include some sets of jigs and reels on their albums. The Mahones are a mirror for a lot of bands and I feel that they should be aware of their influence. Hence my wish: less Irish standards and drinking songs and more sets of tunes!
The Mahones have begun to reap what they have sown for the last 22 years. They are masters of the social networks and marketing tools and they have become friends with a lot of excellent musicians. So a lot of attention has been paid to the special guests on their seventh studio album. This should not hide the best assets of the album: the “classic” Mahones anthems, their shift from the traditional standards to the traditional sets of tunes and the great sound led by the tin whistle and the fiddle. Maybe Finny should think over adding a whistler and a fiddler on a permanent basis.
P.S.
Final Score: America 1 - Europe 5.
No it’s not the Ryder Cup.
Five European cities are mentioned on the titles of the Mahones songs (“Drunken Night in DUBLIN”, “LONDON”, “The AMSTERDAM song”, “Night Train to PARIS” and “The King of COPENHAGUEN”) and only one American city (“Streets of NEW YORK”)
Tracklist:
01. Shakespeare Road 5:17
02. Angels & Devils 4:23
03. Spanish Lady 2:27
04. Medley: Cruel Of Turf/The Pigeon On The Gate/The Battle Of Aughrim 2:49
05. Angel Without Wings / Merry Christmas Baby 4:55
06. The Waiting 2:55
07. The King Of Copenhagen 2:57
08. Past The Pint Of Now Return 4:00
09. Medley: The Connaught Man's Ramble's/Christmas Eve Reels/Johnny's On Fire 3:26
10. Whiskey Train 3:01
11. The Revolution Starts Now 3:28
12. Makes No Sense At All 2:35
BONUS TRACK
13. Tin Soldiers (Stiff Little Fingers Tribute) 3:42
http://www.themahones.ca
http://www.facebook.com/TheMahones
http://www.last.fm/music/The+Mahones
http://twitter.com/THEMAHONES
Tracklist:
01. Shakespeare Road 5:17
02. Angels & Devils 4:23
03. Spanish Lady 2:27
04. Medley: Cruel Of Turf/The Pigeon On The Gate/The Battle Of Aughrim 2:49
05. Angel Without Wings / Merry Christmas Baby 4:55
06. The Waiting 2:55
07. The King Of Copenhagen 2:57
08. Past The Pint Of Now Return 4:00
09. Medley: The Connaught Man's Ramble's/Christmas Eve Reels/Johnny's On Fire 3:26
10. Whiskey Train 3:01
11. The Revolution Starts Now 3:28
12. Makes No Sense At All 2:35
BONUS TRACK
13. Tin Soldiers (Stiff Little Fingers Tribute) 3:42
http://www.themahones.ca
http://www.facebook.com/TheMahones
http://www.last.fm/music/The+Mahones
http://twitter.com/THEMAHONES
Review by Kinksmarkham
Fall Tour 2012 with DKM
2012-10-29 Grand Rapids, MI The Orbit Room w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-10-31 St. Louis, MO The Pagent w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-01 Omaha, NE Sokol Auditorium w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-02 Des Moines, IA Val Air Ballroom w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-03 Fargo, ND The Venue w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-04 Billings, MT Shrine Auditorium w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-06 Missoula, MT The Wilma w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-07 Spokane, ID Knitting Factory Concert House w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-09 Eugene, OR McDonald Theatre w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-11 Chico, CA Theater w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-12 Santa Ana, CA Observatory w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-13 Flagstaff, AZ Orpheum w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-15 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theatre w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-16 Urbana, IL Canopy Club w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-17 Hamilton, ON Wentworth Room @ The Hamilton Convention Centre w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-18 Montreal, QC Metropolis w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-10-31 St. Louis, MO The Pagent w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-01 Omaha, NE Sokol Auditorium w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-02 Des Moines, IA Val Air Ballroom w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-03 Fargo, ND The Venue w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-04 Billings, MT Shrine Auditorium w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-06 Missoula, MT The Wilma w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-07 Spokane, ID Knitting Factory Concert House w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-09 Eugene, OR McDonald Theatre w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-11 Chico, CA Theater w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-12 Santa Ana, CA Observatory w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-13 Flagstaff, AZ Orpheum w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-15 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theatre w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-16 Urbana, IL Canopy Club w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-17 Hamilton, ON Wentworth Room @ The Hamilton Convention Centre w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
2012-11-18 Montreal, QC Metropolis w/ The Dropkick Murphy's
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